The Board of Directors at CALSTART appointed Michael Berube as the new CEO, effective November 13, 2025. Berube succeeds John Boesel, who is retiring after a three-decade tenure, with 24 years as CEO.
Berube has an extensive background bridging the public and private sectors in the transportation and automotive spaces, as well as expertise in manufacturing, electrification, and battery technology. Berube is an automotive industry leader with two decades of experience serving in senior roles at Fiat Chrysler and Daimler-Chrysler, leading product strategy and bringing new low-emissions technologies to market. He is also an MIT-trained transportation and civil engineer. Following his years in the private sector, Berube served for a decade as a senior official for sustainable transportation at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). He helped lead the creation of the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation and the U.S. Federal Consortium on Advanced Batteries. As CALSTART embarks on its new chapter, Berube will focus on driving initiatives to solidify the role of new affordable and clean transportation options for consumers and businesses.
“It is a privilege to join CALSTART at such a profoundly pivotal moment in our industry,” said Berube. “Transportation is vital to the economy and to consumers’ everyday lives. It is at an inflection point and needs bold leadership to help secure the promise of lower-cost and low-emissions options that meet the needs of all Americans. Together with our members and partners, I will continue the work of building the clean transportation industry and expanding its vital impact. Ours is a sector that drives jobs, innovation, and domestic manufacturing while enhancing U.S. global competitiveness and air quality. Having led talented teams in both the private and public sectors, I look forward to bringing the same level of commitment and can-do spirit to the cross-functional teamwork that lies ahead.”
Cynthia Williams, Chair of CALSTART’s Board of Directors, expressed her enthusiasm about the new appointment, stating, “We are excited to have Michael join us as CEO. He is well-equipped to lead the organization during a critical time of transformation in the clean transportation sector. His outstanding candidacy spoke to the need for broad and battle-tested experience in the transportation and automotive industries. It is his deep experience coupled with his knowledge of electrification and battery technology that will be invaluable as we navigate the future of clean transportation. Michael’s leadership is rooted in his blend of policy, technical, and sustainability expertise and propelled by his passion for energy efficiency. We believe he brings the very qualities that will inspire innovation and collaboration among all our stakeholders.”
CALSTART’s current President and CEO, John Boesel, also shared his enthusiasm for Berube joining the
team, saying, “I want to thank our Board of Directors for leading the search and finding such an outstanding candidate. With his experience at Fiat Chrysler, Daimler-Chrysler, and DOE, Michael has the right background to fully appreciate and leverage CALSTART’s role as a trusted broker between industry and government. I’ve known Michael for several years and am confident he will do a great job in taking the organization to the next level and accelerating the growth of the U.S. clean transportation industry.”
